The officials were attacked when they intervened during a gang-related altercation between inmates. Inmates and officials were injured during the altercation. According to a statement issued by Popcru this morning, all officials have since been taken to the Mulbarton Hospital for medical treatment.

This altercation occurred when half the staff was off-duty, in line with the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) shift pattern model. A small number of officials had to oversee just less than 500 inmates in the specific section that saw the altercation.

Popcru says it has on numerous occasions raised the issue of shift patterns with the DCS - a challenge compounded by understaffing and overcrowding within facilities - which aggravates the situation and urgently needs to be reviewed.

The union said there is also a need for proper strategies to deal away with gangsterism within correctional facilities. This, it says, can only be achieved by employing proper rehabilitation processes, and not the installation of surveillance facilities. Popcru says the DCS needs to focus on its core business, namely rehabilitating inmates.

 The statement went on to say that inmates should not remain indolent in correctional facilities but do consistent work that will ensure these facilities become self-sufficient. They must contribute towards the running costs and decent up-keeping of these centres, as this will contribute towards their rehabilitation and skill.

Statement Supplied